The Portland Panthers are at risk of missing out on Northland's premier rugby league competition finals after losing to the Otangarei Knights on Saturday.
The Panthers' 36-24 loss to the 2018 champions in Portland comes after they were dealt a harsh blow from 2019's form team, the Takahiwai Warriors, losing 86-0 last week in Takahiwai.
The two losses have ensured Portland stay at the bottom of the five-team table with just four points going into the final two rounds of the regular season. While they are assured two points with a bye this weekend, Portland will need to win big against the Northern Wairoa Bulls in Dargaville on July 13 to finish in that fourth semifinal spot.
![Portland's Tesimoni Uiloi waits for the pass to arrive as he charges up field. Photo / Michael Cunningham](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/LP57UDXIN2KTPYWD7ORBKY4YYA.jpg?auth=e71d5dbe1f9ca0b288d5a0c631bdf5b932d2c881fe14ef41e7d3d0d3f8ccd52b&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
The Panthers looked good early on against the Knights on Saturday, going into the halftime break trailing by just one try, 18-12. Despite a hattrick of tries to Portland centre, Thomas Ridgley, they couldn't secure the win on home turf.